Here we are again….

After a long (many months) pause I am going to try and start updating the blog again. I am so far behind on emails to friends and have minimal social contact with other adults (except my neighbors) that by updating the blog, family and friends will believe that I am still alive, not crazy and also get a peek at our extraordinary family…

Also with hardly anytime to sit and have a quiet moment I am very challenged to note down special milestones or precious moments. My memory is not what it was before and I no longer believe I will remember these things. (My wake up call regarding this was a doctors appointment we had for Lara during which the doctor asked when she started sitting up on her own, crawling, standing, etc. and my answer for all was “about 3 weeks ago”.)

Now I am determined to take a few minutes each week to share a little bit about the joys, adventures and challenging moments with all of you. I may insert some old stories and pictures as I go (if my memory permits).

Konrad is now 2.5 years old and goes to ‘school’ (really a daycare) for 4 hours a day. Starting about a week ago everyday I go to pick him up from school he wants me to stay and play with him at school. Usually I convince a babysitter, relative or friend to stay with the girls so I can get him quickly. Needless to say, I don’t really have much time to stay at school with him. I try earnestly to explain to him that we have to get home quickly because……is waiting for us. These words seems to have no affect on him and he insists that I stay…I suppose he enjoys having all mommy’s attention and anticipates the slight chaos that welcomes him at home. I usually end up carrying him (all 25 lbs.) the four blocks home. Today he refused to put on his shoes so I couldn’t ask him to walk the last block as my arms ached. Instead as he slipped down from my tired arms he grabbed on tight and said “Mommy hold on, mommy tired”. The ache in my arms became numb and we made it through the door of out apartment ; )

Liliana and Lara are 9 months and as active as ever. Both girls stand up on anything they can and also have begun pushing, baskets and garbage cans around so they can walk. (Today Liliana walked the perimeter of the kitchen pushing an upside down plastic bucket). Both are getting their first tooth and developing a crazy appetite. They especially love anything they can put in their mouth themselves. Today they enjoyed grated apples for the first time and Cherrios ;) I think Thomas’s Aunt Hannelore even sneaked them a few bites of mash potatoes and cheese ;) They seem comforted by each other’s presence and often ‘share toys’ and make each other laugh. Liliana and Lara both avidly watch Konrad despite the numerous times he puts them in a head lock, pulls their hands away from the object they are depending on for balance, or climbs on top of them.

I included a few pictures below...

I must head to bed as I hear a little one requesting to be fed

Month Two

I can’t believe how time flies by (of course some days it seems to go sooo slow). Liliana and Lara are beginning to ‘talk’(gurgle) and smile. They are more alert and curious. Konrad loves to monitor their new developments and has put himself in charge of deciding what toys they should play with.

They evenings are the busiest times as we get everyone fed, ready for bed and asleep as peacefully as possible (it usually takes 3-4 hours by which time Thomas and I are exhausted and end up going to sleep as well).

Our ‘free time’ to communicate with friends has been pretty limited lately and I am sure will be for the next few months as well so please bare with us. Keep sending emails as we enjoying hearing what you are all doing. One day we will be able to respond.

Below are a few photos ; )

The first is Marc (my brother) during his one week visit. He was greatly appreciated by all. Konrad even learned to say his name, although it sounds more like Muck.






Liliana and Lara 9 weeks old.





Konrad so tired he fell asleep reading his book (My Truck is Stuck).


Konrad and Simon showing off their pumpkins...



Konrad testing out his Duplo Light piece on Lara's head ; )

Everything times two...

We are discovering the life changes that come along with having two new babies and a toddler. Everything takes longer to prepare for, and once we leave the house there is always something we forgot.

After Bette leaves it will probably be awhile before I am able to update the blog again...

For now I have added a few pictures of how we(Thomas, Konrad, my mom and I) have been adapting to life with two little ones...

Konrad's keeping busy

Many people have asked how Konrad is doing with two new baby sisters...Konrad has been keeping himself very busy. I just included a few pictures to show you some of the things Konrad has been doing.

He has been helping Papa fix things around the house...




He goes outside with Grandma (who is heading back to Portland after having been here for a month). Not sure what we will do without her...



Konrad keeps Mommy company while she breastfeeds the twins...



Entertains everyone at meal times...



And also "helps" hold the babies...

The twins are born....

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the twins were born! Liliana Belle and Lara Katrin were born 21 August in the evening. They were almost 4 weeks early so are a little small. Both are doing great and starting to gain weight. Big brother Konrad is dong great so far and seems to be trying to figure out exactly what the babies can/can't do and what he can/can't do to them.

Lucky for us my mom is here for the month and is great help. Will quickly post a few pictures.

Konrad learns to give Rasberries!

Konrad has now mastered the art of giving Raspberries! He was going through a biting phase so now instead of biting he gives Raspberries.

His favorite is to give Raspberries to my belly (the babies). Do you think it is the same effect as tapping on a fish tank?

33 weeks and counting...

It has been a little harder than I imagined to update the blog weekly so I guess now it is every two weeks!

Can't believe it is almost 33 weeks of pregnancy. Last Dr. Appt was great and both babies and mother are healthy. They just need to hold on a few more weeks and all should be fine. We have almost everything ready at home for the arrival. At least as ready as we can be!

Konrad is doing great. He loves to listen to music and dance. I think his North Dakota blood wins over his dancing style because he stomps his foot and claps his hands when he dances. Konrad wants to help with whatever we are doing. When I make cookies now he has to have his own bowl and measuring cups as well. I pour in a little dry cereal for him to stir around even though it usually ends up all over the floor.

We are at Thomas's parents (Oma and Opas) house for a week of vacation. Konrad loves to explore the house and go places with Oma and Opa. It is a nice vacation for me as well since there are lots of people to entertain and take care of Konrad. The aches and pains of twin pregnancy are more prevalent (hips aching, sore back, etc.). I am enjoying just relaxing, lying down, reading and watching movies. Once the new babies are here I am sure it will be awhile before I can do all of those things again.

Enjoy the pictures! The picture of my belly is from 2 weeks ago (31 weeks). The one of Thomas and Konrad is at the gardens of a near by castle taken last week. There are also two of Konrad helping to mix the cookie dough.